Chapter I
Omnia mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis
All things change, and we change with them
The North Kingdom was exactly what the rumors say—impenetrable high walls, intimidating gates, a formidable army, and a wealthy and influential royal family. The moment the dark gates have opened, Seokjin had immediately recoiled as he was hit by the strong and overpowering scents of alphas all over the place. His eyes were shut as he started trembling, fists clenched tightly and holding his breath. If he wasn't sat atop of the calesa, he was certain that his legs would've given out with how much he was trembling at the moment.
Seokjin was, by no means, a coward. With his family and people's lives in the line, he did not hesitate to agree to become a sacrifice. Seokjin was brave. But bravery did not mean that he was fearless.
Kim Seokjin was utterly terrified.
Who could blame him though? He was to be taken away from the only home he knew and thrust into this foreign place where he was to be sold—a price to pay to feed his village and give them protection against their oppressors. As he peeked between his lashes, he could see the iron-clad alpha men positioned at every corner they passed. He could see the North Kingdom's insignia—a silver howling wolf—carved on their strong armors.
As he became braver enough to take a few more glances, he could see the perfectly structured and sturdy brick homes that were a far cry from their poor and fragile huts back at his little village. He also noticed that a few civilians paused in their respective activities just to watch him with curiosity. They had beautiful, warm robes that looked expensive in comparison to the one he was wearing—a faded-blue robe that was the best his village could adorn him with.
All of a sudden, Seokjin was even more scared and intimidated than he ever was earlier. Seeing their flawless and sophisticated states, his second-hand clothes and the tattered ones the alphas who guarded him wore seemed very much out of place. He felt like he and this beat-up calesa were an eyesore to this otherwise perfect kingdom. A spark of jealousy ignited within him as he wished that he was born with the same privileges these people enjoyed living their lives with.
It was unfair. They were all the same people, the same wolves yet why did it feel like he was worlds apart from the rest of the crowd? He felt like an insignificant man in the presence of the gods that ridiculed over his inferiority. How was he supposed to impress and sell himself to the King if there were so many others who were better than him?
No, Seokjin thought to himself, shaking his head and his thoughts away as he tried to build up his confidence, I mustn't let my thoughts get ahead of me. This is not about my insecurity, this is about saving my family and the village.
His family. That's what all this was for—his kind and loving mother, and his obedient younger siblings that deserved everything in the world. There was nothing that they weren't worthy of and Seokjin was going to make sure that they would be given everything—food, warmth, and safety. Most of all, the chance to live a life of freedom, a life without having to fear for their lives—a life of peace.
In the midst of his thoughts that reminded him what he came here for, he barely noticed that they were entering another high, intimidating gate. Unlike the black gates from earlier, this one was silver in color and shone under the light of the sun. The big gates soon opened and Seokjin held his breath as he was met with a sight that even his dreams couldn't compare.
